System and method for disinfecting a surface of an object with iodine-laden gas

ABSTRACT

In a system and method for disinfecting a surface of an object with iodine-laden gas, a carrier gas generation means generates a gas stream, which is then directed into a chamber that includes an iodine source. As the gas stream enters and passes through the chamber, iodine is drawn and absorbed into the gas stream, creating an iodine-laden gas that exits the chamber. The carrier gas stream is humidified prior to or after its interaction with the iodine source. In some embodiments, the iodine-laden gas then travels from the chamber and is directed into an enclosure when it interacts with microbes contained on a surface of an object housed within the enclosure or otherwise engaged by the enclosure. In other embodiments, as the iodine-laden gas exits the chamber, it is directed to a nozzle, via which the iodine-laden gas is applied to the surface of the object to be disinfected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/595,731 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,646,608) filed onOct. 8, 2019, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/689,709 filed on Aug. 29, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,471,166), whichclaims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/447,152 filed onJan. 17, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Iodine has long been used for disinfection. Iodine is a member of thehalogen group, which includes bromine, fluorine and chlorine, all knownantimicrobials. Among the various iodine species, both elemental iodine(I₂) and hypoiodous acid have disinfection capability, whereas iodideand iodates do not. The antimicrobial action of elemental iodine is,like all halogens, as an extremely potent oxidizer. Elemental iodinereacts in electrophilic reactions with enzymes of the respiratory chain,as well as with amino acids located in cell membrane and cell wallproteins. The well-balanced tertiary structure necessary for maintainingthe respiratory chain and cell integrity is destroyed, and themicroorganism is irreversibly damaged. It is speculated that iodinemolecules penetrate the cell wall of microorganisms and inflictstructural damage on the capsid protein. Halogen disinfection is a formof chemical sterilization in which oxidation of cell constituents andhalogenations of cell proteins occurs. At the same time, based on areview of the available toxicology data, in July 2006, the United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that iodine and iodophorcomplexes are of very low toxicity by the oral, dermal, and inhalationroutes of exposure. In short, elemental iodine and its complexes aresimple and inexpensive antimicrobials that are useful as disinfectingagents.

Iodine, like other oxidizing biocides, may be rendered ineffectual whenreduced or oxidized through organic contact in solutions. Therefore,being able to expose microbes on surfaces to elemental iodine withoutorganic or fluid interference may offer the means to provide significantdisinfection. It is therefore an object of the present invention togenerate a significant quantity of elemental iodine-laden gas (orvapor), a known disinfectant, for presentation so as to have anantimicrobial action on the surface of an object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method for disinfecting a surfaceof an object with iodine-laden gas.

An exemplary system made in accordance with the present inventionincludes a carrier gas generation means (preferably in the form of acompressor, blower, or pressurized tank), which generates a gas stream.This gas stream may be simply an air stream, or it could be comprised ofother carrier gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen(N₂), argon (AR), other inert gases, and combinations thereof. Ahumidifier increases a relative humidity of the carrier gas. In someembodiments, the gas stream travels from the gas generation means to andthrough a heater to raise the temperature of the gas stream. In someembodiments, the gas stream also passes through a negative ion generatorthat uses high voltage to ionize (or electrically charge) the airmolecules.

Whether or not the gas stream is heated and/or electrically charged, itis directed into a chamber that includes an iodine source. As the gasstream enters and passes through the chamber, iodine is drawn andabsorbed into the gas stream. Furthermore, during downtime, the chamber,with the iodine source, acts as a reservoir, extending the exposure tothe iodine source and facilitating the introduction of iodine into theair held within the chamber.

The iodine-laden gas then travels from the chamber and is directed intoan enclosure. While within the enclosure, the iodine-laden gas interactswith microbes contained on the surfaces of objects housed within theenclosure.

In some embodiments, the enclosure is substantially sealed to preventthe escape of iodine vapor into the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, theenclosure may be provided with a door, so that it can be selectivelyopened to receive objects, and then closed prior to the introduction ofthe iodine-laden gas into the enclosure. In such embodiments, theenclosure is provided with vents, as there must be some means for air toescape the enclosure as it fills with iodine-laden gas. Such vents areprovided with carbon filters that capture and prevent escape of theiodine into the surrounding atmosphere. Furthermore, objects may bestrategically placed in the enclosure in the vicinity of the vents toensure flow of the iodine-laden gas over and around the surfaces of theobjects.

As a further refinement, the system may be provided with a means toflush the iodine-laden gas from the enclosure. As a further refinement,the system may be provided with a vacuum source (or suction) that pullsiodine-laden gas through the enclosure via one of the vents; thus, theiodine-laden gas may be simultaneously introduced (pushed) into theenclosure while it is withdrawn (pulled) through a vent under vacuumpressure. As yet a further refinement, the enclosure may be in fluidcommunication with a source of cleaning solution, such that the cleaningsolution (e.g., water or water mixed with a detergent and/or a biocide)can be selectively introduced into the enclosure at any time to rinseobjects within the enclosure and/or the interior of the enclosureitself.

With respect to the system described above, a method for disinfecting asurface of an object thus generally comprises the steps of: (i)providing a chamber including an iodine source; (ii) generating acarrier gas stream for introduction into and through the chamberincluding the iodine source, such that an iodine-laden gas exits thechamber; (iii) humidifying the carrier gas stream prior to or after itsinteraction with the iodine source; (iv) providing an enclosure andhousing the object within the enclosure; and (v) introducing theiodine-laden gas into the enclosure.

Rather than using a substantially sealed enclosure to house the object,in some embodiments, the enclosure has an open side, which is placedover and/or engages the object to be disinfected. In such a system, amethod for disinfecting a surface of an object thus generally comprisesthe steps of: (i) providing a chamber including an iodine source; (ii)generating a carrier gas stream for introduction into and through thechamber including the iodine source, such that an iodine-laden gas exitsthe chamber; (iii) humidifying the carrier gas stream prior to or afterits interaction with the iodine source; (iv) providing an enclosurehaving an open side, and placing the enclosure over or on the surface ofthe object; and (v) introducing the iodine-laden gas into the enclosure,where it interacts with microbes contained on the surface of the object.

Rather than using an enclosure to house or engage the object, in someembodiments, as the iodine-laden gas exits the chamber, it is directedto a nozzle. The iodine-laden gas is then ejected from the nozzle andapplied to the surface of the object to be disinfected. In such asystem, a method for disinfecting a surface of an object thus generallycomprises the steps of: (i) providing a chamber including an iodinesource; (ii) generating a carrier gas stream for introduction into andthrough the chamber including the iodine source, such that aniodine-laden gas exits the chamber and into a conduit for delivery to anozzle; (iii) humidifying the carrier gas stream prior to or after itsinteraction with the iodine source; and (iv) ejecting the iodine-ladengas via the nozzle onto the surface of the object, where it interactswith microbes contained on the surface of the object.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system made in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a control logic for theexemplary system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another exemplary system made inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another exemplary system made inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method for disinfecting a surfaceof an object with iodine-laden gas.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system 10 made in accordancewith the present invention. As shown, the system 10 includes a carriergas generation means 12 (preferably in the form of a compressor, blower,or pressurized tank), which generates a gas stream. This gas stream maybe simply an air stream, or it could be comprised of other carriergases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), argon(AR), other inert gases, and combinations thereof. In this exemplaryembodiment, the gas stream travels from the gas generation means 12through a conduit 13, which directs the gas stream to and through aheater 14 to raise the temperature of the gas stream, the importance ofwhich is further described below. In this exemplary embodiment, and asalso shown in FIG. 1, the gas stream then travels from the heater 14through a conduit 15, which directs the gas stream to a humidifier 90,the importance of which is further described below. In this exemplaryembodiment, and as also shown in FIG. 1, the gas stream then travelsfrom the humidifier 90 through a conduit 91, which directs the gasstream to a negative ion generator 16 that uses high voltage to ionize(or electrically charge) the air molecules, the importance of which isfurther described below.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the gas stream exits the negative iongenerator 16 and is then directed into and passes through an iodinesource 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream travels througha conduit 17 to a three-way (or diverter) valve 50, the use and functionof which is described below. From the three-way valve 50, all or aportion of the gas stream travels through a conduit 18 through a checkvalve 24 and into a chamber 22 that includes the iodine source 20. Asthe gas stream enters and passes through the chamber 22, iodine is drawnand absorbed into the gas stream. Furthermore, during downtime, thechamber 22, with the iodine source 20, acts as a reservoir, extendingthe exposure to the iodine source 20 and facilitating the introductionof iodine into the air held within the chamber 22.

The iodine source 20 may be iodinated resin or iodine crystals orparticles of varying size. Various commercially available iodine resins(preferably non-allergenic resins) in crushed or small bead form (i.e.,beads coated with iodine), or blends thereof, may be used in the chamber22. For instance, the chamber 22 may be a substantially hollow andopen-ended column packed with crushed and/or beaded iodine resin, asgreater surface area leads to enhanced transfer of iodine to the gasstream. For example, an iodine resin distributed by The Purolite Companyof Bala Cynwyd, Pa. under Model No. 605 may be used in the chamber 22.Of course, the chamber 22 is constructed of materials (such as stainlesssteel or plastic) that are not adversely affected by the iodine source20 or vapor, and the chamber 22 is preferably replaceable based oniodine depletion and needs.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the chamber 22includes a static mixer 26 to agitate the iodine source 20, causing itto percolate and rise, rotating and exposing different surfaces of theparticles of iodine to the gas stream.

As mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream isfirst passed through a heater 14 before it encounters the iodine source20. The elevated air temperature (for example, approximately 100° F.)also leads to greater transfer of iodine to the gas stream.Additionally, or alternatively, the chamber 22 may be provided with aheater 28 to achieve the same end. Whether or not such heating of thegas stream and/or iodine source 20 is necessary or desired is dependenton the environment in which the system is operating and the desiredlevel of iodine output.

As also mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream isalso passed through a negative ion generator 16 before it encounters theiodine source 20. The negative ion generator 16 uses high voltage toionize (or electrically charge) the air molecules, which causepositively charged iodine molecules to be attracted into the gas stream.Whether or not such charging of the gas stream is necessary or desiredis dependent on the environment in which the system is operating and thedesired level of iodine output.

The iodine-laden gas is then directed via a conduit 30, such as afluoridated plastic or stainless-steel tube, into an enclosure 40 via aninlet opening 40 a. In this exemplary embodiment, flow of theiodine-laden gas through the conduit 30 is controlled by a valve 32(such as a solenoid valve). When the valve 32 is open, the iodine-ladengas passes through a check valve 34 before entering the enclosure 40 viathe inlet opening 40 a. While within the enclosure 40, the iodine-ladengas interacts with microbes contained on the surfaces of objects housedwithin the enclosure 40. In this regard, the enclosure 40 issubstantially sealed to prevent the escape of iodine vapor into thesurrounding atmosphere. Thus, the enclosure 40 may be provided with adoor (not shown), so that it can be selectively opened to receiveobjects, and then closed prior to the introduction of the iodine-ladengas into the enclosure 40. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 40is provided with vents 42, as there must be some means for air to escapethe enclosure 40 as it fills with iodine-laden gas. Such vents 42 areprovided with carbon filters 44 that capture and prevent escape of theiodine into the surrounding atmosphere. Furthermore, objects may bestrategically placed in the enclosure 40 in the vicinity of the vents 42to ensure flow of the iodine-laden gas over and around the surfaces ofthe objects.

As mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream travelsthrough a humidifier 90. The humidifier 90 raises the relative humidityof the carrier gas. In some embodiments, the relative humidity of thecarrier gas is raised to approximately 50-90%. In some embodiments, therelative humidity of the carrier gas is raised to approximately 90%. Asa result, there is an increased moisture content in the iodine-laden gasthat is introduced into the enclosure 40, which has been found toimprove the disinfecting effect of the iodine-laden gas on the surfaceof an object. Many forms of humidifiers can be used to increase therelative humidity of the carrier gas, including, but not limited to,humidifiers that make use of: air compression techniques; boiling ofwater; or generation of cool mist moisture. With respect to the latteroption, in a humidifier that generates cool mist moisture, additives canalso be introduced into the gas stream to modify the pH of the gasstream. In this regard, water is near a neutral pH of 7.0. Increased pHlevels, which are indicative of more basic solution, have been shown tomore effective for killing viruses. Therefore, it may be desirable toincrease the pH to approximately 9.5 (or greater) in certainapplications, for example, by adding baking soda to the cool mistmoisture. On the other hand, decreased pH levels, which are indicativeof more acidic solution, have been shown to more effective for killingbacteria. Therefore, it may be desirable to decrease the pH toapproximately 5.5 (or lower) in certain applications, for example, byadding vinegar to the cool mist moisture.

With respect to the humidifier 90, in the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, the humidifier 90 is positioned after the heater14, between the carrier gas generation means 12 and the chamber 22including the iodine source 20; however, this not the only possiblelocation of the humidifier 90. In other embodiments, the humidifier 90may be positioned between the chamber 22 and the enclosure 40. In otherembodiments, the humidifier 90 may be integrated into the carrier gasgeneration means 12.

As also shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 may be provided with a means toflush the iodine-laden gas from the enclosure 40. In this exemplaryembodiment, as mentioned above, there is a three-way valve 50 thatallows a portion of the gas stream to be diverted before it enters intothe chamber 22, such that air without iodine can be directed into theenclosure 40 via a conduit 51 and through an inlet opening 40 b. In thisexemplary embodiment, the air passes through a check valve 52 beforeentering the enclosure 40 via the inlet opening 40 b. As such air entersthe enclosure 40, it forces any remaining iodine-laden gas through thecarbon filters 44.

As a further refinement, and as also shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 maybe provided with a vacuum source 60 (or suction) that pulls iodine-ladengas through the enclosure 40 via one of the vents 42. In other words,the iodine-laden gas may be simultaneously introduced (pushed) into theenclosure 40 via the inlet opening 40 b while it is withdrawn (pulled)through a vent 42 under vacuum pressure.

As a further refinement, and as also shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 40of the system 10 may be in fluid communication with a source of cleaningsolution 70, such that the cleaning solution (e.g., water or water mixedwith a detergent and/or a biocide) can be selectively introduced intothe enclosure 40 via a conduit 72 and an inlet opening 40 c. In thisexemplary embodiment, flow of the cleaning solution through the conduit72 is controlled by a valve 74 (such as a solenoid valve). When thevalve 74 is open, the cleaning solution passes through a check valve 76before entering the enclosure 40 via the inlet opening 40 c. Thecleaning solution could be used to rinse objects within the enclosure 40and/or the interior of the enclosure 40 itself. Alternatively, thecleaning solution could be introduced into the enclosure 40 before theiodine-laden gas to remove contaminants prior to disinfection.

As a further refinement, although not shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 maybe provided with a means (such as a negative ion generator) by which toapply a negative electrostatic charge to objects within the enclosure 40prior to the introduction of the iodine-laden gas.

Examples of objects that can be placed into the enclosure fordisinfection include, but are not limited to: bottles or other storagereceptacles; clothing or similar fabrics; agricultural products, such asfruits and nuts; milking devices or equipment from dairy farmingoperations; and medical devices, such as colonoscopy wands.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a control logic for theexemplary system 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, such a control logic includes amicroprocessor 80 with a memory component 82. The gas generation means12 is operably connected to and receives control signals from themicroprocessor 80, i.e., an on/off signal. The humidifier 90 is alsooperably connected to and receives control signals from themicroprocessor 80. If present, the heater 14 and the negative iongenerator 16 are also operably connected to and receive control signalsfrom the microprocessor 80. Similarly, if present, the static mixer 26and the heater 28 in the chamber 22 are operably connected to andreceive control signals from the microprocessor 80. Each of the valves32, 50, and 74 is operably connected to and receives control signalsfrom the microprocessor 80. Finally, the vacuum source 60 (or suction)is operably connected to and receives control signals from themicroprocessor 80. Accordingly, each of these components could beoperated in response to user input. For instance, certain controls couldbe provided on a panel secured to the enclosure 40 to allow for suchuser input. Furthermore, preprogrammed routines could be stored in thememory component 82 to automate the process. For example, the user maysimply have to press a button to activate a preprogrammed routine.

Referring still to FIG. 2, it is also contemplated that one or moresensors could be operably connected to the microprocessor 80 to monitorthe operation of the system. For example, sensors could be providedwithin the enclosure 40 to monitor iodine levels or pressure within theenclosure 40.

Finally, with respect to the exemplary system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2, a method for disinfecting a surface of an object thus comprises thesteps of: (i) providing a chamber 22 including an iodine source 20; (ii)generating a carrier gas stream for introduction into and through thechamber 22 including the iodine source 20, such that an iodine-laden gasexits the chamber 22; (iii) humidifying the carrier gas stream prior toor after its interaction with the iodine source 20; (iv) providing anenclosure 40 and housing the object within the enclosure 40; and (iv)introducing the iodine-laden gas into the enclosure 40. Additionally, insome implementations, and as described above, the method may includeintermediate steps of heating the iodine-laden gas and/or electricallycharging the iodine-laden gas. After the iodine-laden gas has beenintroduced into the enclosure 40, in some implementations, and as alsodescribed above, the method may include the steps of applying a vacuumto the enclosure 40 and/or rinsing the object within the enclosure 40with a cleaning solution.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another exemplary system 110 made inaccordance with the present invention. As shown, the system 110 is verysimilar to that described above with reference to FIG. 1, except thatthe enclosure 140 has an open side, which is placed over and/or engagesthe object to be disinfected, as further described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the system 110 includes a carrier gas generationmeans 112 (preferably in the form of a compressor, blower, orpressurized tank), which generates a gas stream. Again, this gas streammay be simply an air stream, or it could be comprised of other carriergases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), argon(AR), other inert gases, and combinations thereof. In this exemplaryembodiment, the gas stream travels from the gas generation means 112through a conduit 113, which directs the gas stream to and through aheater 114 to raise the temperature of the gas stream. In this exemplaryembodiment, the gas stream then travels from the heater 114 through aconduit 115, which directs the gas stream to a humidifier 190. In thisexemplary embodiment, the gas stream then travels from the humidifier190 through a conduit 191, which directs the gas stream to a negativeion generator 116 that uses high voltage to ionize (or electricallycharge) the air molecules.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the gas stream exits the negative iongenerator 116 and is then directed into and passes through an iodinesource 120. In this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream travels througha conduit 117 to a valve 150 (such as a solenoid valve), which controlsflow of the gas stream to the iodine source 120. When the valve 150 isopen, the gas stream passes through a check valve 124 and into a chamber122 that includes the iodine source 120. As with the chamber 22described above with reference to FIG. 1, as the gas stream enters andpasses through the chamber 122, iodine is drawn and absorbed into thegas stream. Furthermore, as also described above with reference to FIG.1, in some embodiments, the chamber 122 includes a static mixer 126 toagitate the iodine source 120, causing it to percolate and rise,rotating and exposing different surfaces of the particles of iodine tothe gas stream. The chamber 122 may also be provided with a heater 128to achieve the same end.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the iodine-laden gas is then directed via aconduit 130, such as a fluoridated plastic or stainless-steel tube, intoan enclosure 140 via an inlet opening 140 a. In this exemplaryembodiment, flow of the iodine-laden gas through the conduit 130 iscontrolled by a valve 132 (such as a solenoid valve). When the valve 132is open, the iodine-laden gas passes through a check valve 134 beforeentering the enclosure 140 via the inlet opening 140 a. In thisexemplary embodiment, however, the enclosure 140 has an open side, whichis placed over and/or engages a surface 200 of the object to bedisinfected.

Referring still to FIG. 3, in this exemplary embodiment, carbon filters144 are installed around the rim or periphery of the open side of theenclosure 140. Thus, when the open side of the enclosure 140 is placedagainst the surface 200 of the object to be disinfected, the carbonfilters 144 not only capture and prevent escape of the iodine into thesurrounding atmosphere, but also function as a seal against the surface(i.e., the surface of the object itself or a floor or underlying surfacebelow the object).

As a further refinement, although not shown in FIG. 3, the enclosure 140of the system 110 may be in fluid communication with a source ofcleaning solution, such that the cleaning solution (e.g., water or watermixed with a detergent and/or a biocide) can be selectively introducedinto the enclosure 140 to rinse objects within the enclosure 140 and/orthe interior of the enclosure 140 itself.

As mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream travelsthrough a humidifier 190. The humidifier 190 raises the relativehumidity of the carrier gas. In some embodiments, the relative humidityof the carrier gas is raised to approximately 50-90%. In someembodiments, the relative humidity of the carrier gas is raised toapproximately 90%. As a result, there is an increased moisture contentin the iodine-laden gas that is introduced into the enclosure 140, whichhas been found to improve the disinfecting effect of the iodine-ladengas on the surface of an object.

With respect to the humidifier 190, in the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, the humidifier 190 is positioned after the heater114, between the carrier gas generation means 112 and the chamber 122including the iodine source 120; however, this not the only possiblelocation of the humidifier 190. In other embodiments, the humidifier 190may be positioned between the chamber 122 and the enclosure 140. Inother embodiments, the humidifier 190 may be integrated into the carriergas generation means 112.

Examples of objects that can be disinfected in this manner include, butare not limited to: floor surfaces; wall surfaces; body tissue, such awound; or portal area, such as a catheter port.

Finally, with respect to the exemplary system illustrated in FIG. 3, amethod for disinfecting a surface of an object thus comprises the stepsof: (i) providing a chamber 122 including an iodine source 120; (ii)generating a carrier gas stream for introduction into and through thechamber 122 including the iodine source 120, such that an iodine-ladengas exits the chamber 122; (iii) humidifying the carrier gas streamprior to or after its interaction with the iodine source 120; (iv)providing an enclosure 140 having an open side, and placing theenclosure 140 over or on the surface of the object; and (iv) introducingthe iodine-laden gas into the enclosure 140, where it interacts withmicrobes contained on the surface of the object. Additionally, in someimplementations, and as described above, the method may includeintermediate steps of heating the iodine-laden gas and/or electricallycharging the iodine-laden gas.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another exemplary system 310 made inaccordance with the present invention. As shown, the system 310 is verysimilar to that described above with reference to FIG. 3. Specifically,as shown in FIG. 4, the system 310 includes a carrier gas generationmeans 312 (preferably in the form of a compressor, blower, orpressurized tank), which generates a gas stream. Again, this gas streammay be simply an air stream, or it could be comprised of other carriergases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), argon(AR), other inert gases, and combinations thereof. In this exemplaryembodiment, the gas stream travels from the gas generation means 312through a conduit 313, which directs the gas stream to and through aheater 314 to raise the temperature of the gas stream. In this exemplaryembodiment, the gas stream then travels from the heater 314 through aconduit 315, which directs the gas stream to a humidifier 390. In thisexemplary embodiment, the gas stream then travels from the humidifier390 through a conduit 391, which directs the gas stream to a negativeion generator 316 that uses high voltage to ionize (or electricallycharge) the air molecules.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the gas stream exits the negative iongenerator 316 and is then directed into and passes through an iodinesource 320. In this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream travels througha conduit 317 to a valve 350 (such as a solenoid valve), which controlsflow of the gas stream to the iodine source 320. When the valve 350 isopen, the gas stream passes through a check valve 324 and into a chamber322 that includes the iodine source 320. As with the chamber 22described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the chamber 122 describedabove with reference to FIG. 3, as the gas stream enters and passesthrough the chamber 322, iodine is drawn and absorbed into the gasstream. Furthermore, as also described above with reference to FIGS. 1and 3, in some embodiments, the chamber 322 includes a static mixer 326to agitate the iodine source 320, causing it to percolate and rise,rotating and exposing different surfaces of the particles of iodine tothe gas stream. The chamber 322 may also be provided with a heater 328to achieve the same end.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the iodine-laden gas is then directed via aconduit 330, such as a fluoridated plastic or stainless-steel tube, to anozzle 340. In this exemplary embodiment, flow of the iodine-laden gasthrough the conduit 330 is controlled by a valve 332 (such as a solenoidvalve). When the valve 332 is open, the iodine-laden gas passes througha check valve 334 before entering the nozzle 340. The iodine-laden gasis thus ejected from the nozzle 340 and applied to the surface of theobject to be disinfected.

As a further refinement, although not shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle 340may also be in fluid communication with a source of cleaning solution,such that the cleaning solution (e.g., water or water mixed with adetergent and/or a biocide) can also be selectively ejected through thenozzle 340. The cleaning solution could be used to rinse objects afterdisinfection. Alternatively, the cleaning solution could be appliedbefore the iodine-laden gas to remove contaminants prior todisinfection.

As mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment, the gas stream travelsthrough a humidifier 390. The humidifier 390 raises the relativehumidity of the carrier gas. In some embodiments, the relative humidityof the carrier gas is raised to approximately 50-90%. In someembodiments, the relative humidity of the carrier gas is raised toapproximately 90%. As a result, there is an increased moisture contentin the iodine-laden gas that is ejected from the nozzle 340, which hasbeen found to improve the disinfecting effect of the iodine-laden gas onthe surface of an object.

With respect to the humidifier 390, in the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, the humidifier 390 is positioned after the heater314, between the carrier gas generation means 312 and the chamber 322including the iodine source 320; however, this not the only possiblelocation of the humidifier 390. In other embodiments, the humidifier 390may be positioned between the chamber 322 and the nozzle 340. In otherembodiments, the humidifier 390 may be integrated into the carrier gasgeneration means 312.

Examples of objects that can be disinfected in this manner include, butare not limited to: conduits, such as a milk conduit in a dairy farmingoperation; and enclosures, such as a milking inflation in a dairyfarming operation.

With respect to the use of the exemplary system 310 illustrated in FIG.4 for cleaning a conduit or similar fluid transport device, theiodine-laden gas may be introduced into the conduit at one end, whileanother end (or ends) is closed, such that the iodine-laden gas flow isunder pressure with the conduit to ensure interaction with the interiorsurfaces of the conduit for disinfection. Furthermore, when iodine-ladengas is released or forced from the conduit, it may be passed through acarbon filter that captures and prevents escape of the iodine into thesurrounding atmosphere. For example, heat exchangers, ballast tanks, andstorage containers can be disinfected in this manner.

Finally, with respect to the exemplary system illustrated in FIG. 4, amethod for disinfecting a surface of an object thus comprises the stepsof: (i) providing a chamber 322 including an iodine source 320; (ii)generating a carrier gas stream for introduction into and through thechamber 322 including the iodine source 320, such that an iodine-ladengas exits the chamber 322 and into a conduit 330 for delivery to anozzle 340; (iii) humidifying the carrier gas stream prior to or afterits interaction with the iodine source 320; and (iv) ejecting theiodine-laden gas via the nozzle 340 onto the surface of the object,where it interacts with microbes contained on the surface of the object.Additionally, in some implementations, and as described above, themethod may include intermediate steps of heating the iodine-laden gasand/or electrically charging the iodine-laden gas.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additionalembodiments and implementations are also possible without departing fromthe teachings of the present invention. This detailed description, andparticularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiments andimplementations disclosed therein, is given primarily for clarity ofunderstanding, and no unnecessary limitations are to be understoodtherefrom, for modifications will become obvious to those skilled in theart upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for disinfecting a surface of an object,comprising: a carrier gas generation means, which generates a carriergas; a humidifier for increasing a relative humidity of the carrier gas;a chamber including an iodine source, which receives the carrier gas,such that the carrier gas interacts with the iodine source, and aniodine-laden gas exits the chamber; a negative ion generator, whichionizes molecules of the carrier gas prior to introduction of thecarrier gas into the chamber including the iodine source; and anenclosure for receiving and housing the object, the enclosure receivingthe iodine-laden gas from the chamber, such that the iodine-laden gasinteracts with microbes contained on the surface of the object housedwithin the enclosure.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1, and furthercomprising: a heater, which raises a temperature of the carrier gasprior to introduction of the carrier gas into the chamber including theiodine source.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein thehumidifier increases the relative humidity of the carrier gas toapproximately 50-90%.
 4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein thehumidifier increases the relative humidity of the carrier gas toapproximately 90%.
 5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein thehumidifier is integrated into the carrier gas generation means.
 6. Thesystem as recited in claim 1, wherein the humidifier is positionedbetween the carrier gas generation means and the chamber including theiodine source.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein thehumidifier is positioned between the chamber and the enclosure.
 8. Asystem for disinfecting a surface of an object, comprising: a carriergas generation means, which generates a carrier gas; a humidifier forincreasing a relative humidity of the carrier gas; a chamber includingan iodine source, which receives the carrier gas, such that the carriergas interacts with the iodine source, and an iodine-laden gas exits thechamber; a negative ion generator, which ionizes molecules of thecarrier gas prior to introduction of the carrier gas into the chamberincluding the iodine source; and an enclosure having an open side whichis placed over or engages the surface of the object, the enclosurereceiving the iodine-laden gas from the chamber, such that theiodine-laden gas interacts with microbes contained on the surface of theobject.
 9. The system as recited in claim 8, and further comprising: aheater, which raises a temperature of the carrier gas prior tointroduction of the carrier gas into the chamber including the iodinesource.
 10. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the humidifierincreases the relative humidity of the carrier gas to approximately50-90%.
 11. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the humidifierincreases the relative humidity of the carrier gas to approximately 90%.12. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the humidifier isintegrated into the carrier gas generation means.
 13. The system asrecited in claim 8, wherein the humidifier is positioned between thecarrier gas generation means and the chamber including the iodinesource.
 14. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the humidifier ispositioned between the chamber and the enclosure.
 15. A system fordisinfecting a surface of an object, comprising: a carrier gasgeneration means, which generates a carrier gas; a humidifier forincreasing a relative humidity of the carrier gas; a chamber includingan iodine source, which receives the carrier gas, such that the carriergas interacts with the iodine source, and an iodine-laden gas exits thechamber; a negative ion generator, which ionizes molecules of thecarrier gas prior to introduction of the carrier gas into the chamberincluding the iodine source; and a nozzle in fluid communication withthe chamber for receiving the iodine-laden gas from the chamber, whichis thus ejected from the nozzle and is applied to the surface of theobject.
 16. The system as recited in claim 15, and further comprising: aheater, which raises a temperature of the carrier gas prior tointroduction of the carrier gas into the chamber including the iodinesource.
 17. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the humidifierincreases the relative humidity of the carrier gas to approximately50-90%.
 18. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the humidifierincreases the relative humidity of the carrier gas to approximately 90%.19. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the humidifier isintegrated into the carrier gas generation means.
 20. The system asrecited in claim 15, wherein the humidifier is positioned between thecarrier gas generation means and the chamber including the iodinesource.
 21. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the humidifier ispositioned between the chamber and the nozzle.